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Operating System Engineer Jobs in Columbus, OH (NOW HIRING)

RMF / Cyber Systems Engineer

Columbus, OH · On-site

$55.25 - $67.75/hr

... and operated in accordance with security and mission requirements. Responsibilities * Lead or ... System Security Plans (SSPs) * Program Protection Plans (PPP) * Supporting RMF documentation and ...

DevOps Engineer

Columbus, OH

$51 - $69.75/hr

... s Engineer. Responsibilities: * Design, implement, and scale technologies, approaches, and ... Experience in operating systems (Windows, RedHat, CentOS, Amazon Linux), networking (Akamai, Nginx ...

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Operating System Engineer information

See Columbus, OH salary details

$51.7K

$122.9K

$161.3K

How much do operating system engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 18, 2026, the average yearly pay for operating system engineer in Columbus, OH is $122,877.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,700.00 and $151,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by Operating System Engineers when maintaining system stability in large-scale environments?

Operating System Engineers often encounter challenges such as managing software patching across diverse hardware, ensuring compatibility with legacy applications, and minimizing downtime during critical updates. In large-scale environments, balancing security with performance and reliability can be complex, especially when multiple teams depend on the systems. Effective communication with development, security, and IT operations teams is essential to address these issues proactively and maintain overall system stability.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as software engineering, data engineering, or cybersecurity can earn $500,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and in high-demand industries. These roles often require advanced certifications, leadership responsibilities, or working in competitive markets with high compensation packages.

What does an Operating System Engineer do?

An Operating System Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, maintaining, and optimizing operating systems that run on computers and servers. They work on the core components that manage hardware resources, enable software applications, and ensure system security and stability. Their duties often include writing system-level code, troubleshooting performance issues, implementing updates, and collaborating with hardware and software teams. Operating System Engineers play a critical role in ensuring that computing environments are efficient, reliable, and secure.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior operating system engineers, especially those with extensive experience, specialized skills, and certifications, can earn $300,000 or more annually. High compensation is often associated with roles in large tech companies, leadership positions, or engineers working on complex systems with advanced knowledge of hardware, virtualization, or security. Salary levels depend on location, company size, and individual expertise.

What is the difference between Operating System Engineer vs System Administrator?

AspectOperating System EngineerSystem Administrator
Primary FocusDesigning, developing, and optimizing operating systemsMaintaining, configuring, and supporting existing systems
Skills & CertificationsLinux/Unix, scripting, OS architecture, certifications like RHCE or Linux FoundationSystem management, network setup, troubleshooting, certifications like CompTIA Server+ or Microsoft Certified
Work EnvironmentDevelopment teams, R&D, engineering projectsIT support, data centers, enterprise environments
Industry UsageTech companies, hardware firms, software developmentCorporate IT, government agencies, healthcare, finance

While both roles involve working with operating systems, Operating System Engineers focus on designing and developing OS solutions, whereas System Administrators manage and support existing systems. The roles complement each other but serve different stages of the system lifecycle.

What does an OS engineer do?

An Operating System (OS) Engineer designs, develops, and maintains operating system software, ensuring efficient hardware and software integration. They troubleshoot system issues, optimize performance, and may work with tools like kernel development, scripting, and debugging. Strong knowledge of computer architecture, programming languages, and system security is essential for this role.

How hard is coding an OS?

Operating System Engineers typically find coding an OS to be highly complex due to the need for low-level programming, understanding hardware interactions, and managing system resources. It requires strong knowledge of programming languages like C or C++, familiarity with system architecture, and often involves debugging and testing in specialized environments. The work demands significant technical skill and experience, often gained through advanced education and hands-on practice.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Operating System Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Operating System Engineer, you need a deep understanding of computer science principles, operating system internals, and strong programming skills in languages like C, C++, or Rust, often backed by a relevant degree. Familiarity with kernel development, debugging tools, virtualization platforms, and experience with version control systems (such as Git) are typically required. Problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication are soft skills that set top performers apart. These skills ensure the reliability, performance, and security of operating systems, which are foundational to all computing environments.
What are popular job titles related to Operating System Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH? For Operating System Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Operating System Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH look for? The top searched job categories for Operating System Engineer jobs in Columbus, OH are:
What cities near Columbus, OH are hiring for Operating System Engineer jobs? Cities near Columbus, OH with the most Operating System Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Operating System Engineer job openings in Columbus, OH as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, and 19% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, and 9% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $122,877 per year, or $59.1 per hour.
RMF / Cyber Systems Engineer

RMF / Cyber Systems Engineer

Battelle Memorial Institute

Columbus, OH • On-site

$55.25 - $67.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 22 days ago


Battelle Memorial Institute rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 24 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

48th of 103 rated laboratories


Job description

Battelle delivers when others can't. We conduct research and development, manage national laboratories, design and manufacture products and deliver critical services for our clients-whether they are a multi-national corporation, a small start-up or a government agency.
We recognize and appreciate the value and contributions of individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences and welcome all qualified individuals to apply.
Job Summary
Our Cyber Business Unit's Advanced Microsystem Solutions portfolio is seeking a Mid-level PCB Engineer to work from our Columbus, OH and/or Beavercreek, OH offices. Battelle is seeking an RMF / Cyber Systems Engineer to support government and national security programs requiring secure, resilient, and mission-critical systems. This role sits at the intersection of cybersecurity engineering, systems engineering, and risk management, supporting systems that extend beyond traditional enterprise IT and into embedded, mission, and platform-based environments.
The successful candidate will lead or support Risk Management Framework (RMF) activities while collaborating closely with systems engineers, program managers, and government stakeholders to ensure systems are designed, authorized, and operated in accordance with security and mission requirements.
Responsibilities
  • Lead or support development and coordination of RMF authorization packages, including IATT and ATO submissions, in accordance with DoD and government standards.
  • Develop, review, and maintain required security artifacts, including:
    • System Security Plans (SSPs)
    • Program Protection Plans (PPP)
    • Supporting RMF documentation and evidence
  • Manage POA&M development, tracking, and remediation planning, supporting risk acceptance and authorization decisions.
  • Evaluate cybersecurity and operational risk for systems incorporating embedded technologies, hardware, firmware, or specialized components, including non-traditional IT systems.
  • Collaborate with systems engineering teams to:
    • Define system requirements and security objectives
    • Decompose complex systems into assessable components
    • Ensure security is integrated throughout the system lifecycle
  • Support system design, architecture, and documentation efforts with a focus on security, resilience, and operational readiness.
  • Brief and communicate effectively with senior government, customer, and corporate leadership, translating technical and risk-based information into actionable insights.

Key Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in engineering, cybersecurity, computer science, or a related technical field
    and 10+ years of relevant experience, or a Master's degree with 7+ years of relevant experience.
  • Demonstrated working knowledge of cybersecurity engineering principles and secure system design.
  • Experience supporting or developing RMF artifacts, including SSPs, POA&Ms, and authorization documentation (IATT / ATO).
  • Ability to assess and evaluate systems beyond traditional enterprise IT, including mission systems and embedded or hardware-based platforms.
  • Proven experience collaborating across multidisciplinary engineering teams in constrained or classified environments.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience briefing technical and non-technical stakeholders. ,
  • Active Top Secret clearance.

Nice to Have
  • Experience with Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) methodologies.
  • Familiarity with SysML tools such as Cameo Systems Modeler or IBM Rhapsody.
  • Exposure to DoDAF or UAF architectural frameworks.
  • Experience with embedded systems, microelectronics, FPGA, or circuit card design from a security or systems assessment perspective. ,
  • Programming or scripting experience (e.g., Python, MATLAB, C++) in support of analysis or automation.
  • Prior experience supporting DoD or national security programs.

Benefits: Live an Extraordinary Life
We care about your well-being, not just on the job. Battelle offers comprehensive and competitive benefits to help you live your best life.
  • Balance life through a compressed work schedule: Most of our team follows a flexible, compressed work schedule that allows for every other Friday off-giving you a dedicated day to accomplish things in your personal life without using vacation time.
  • Enjoy enhanced work flexibility, including a hybrid arrangement: You have options for where and when you work. Our Together with Flexibility model allows you to work 60% in-office and 40% remote, with Monday and Tuesday as common in-office days, dependent on team and position needs .
  • Take time to recharge: You get paid time off to support work-life balance and keep motivated.
  • Prioritize wellness: Stay healthy with medical, dental, and vision coverage with wellness incentives and benefits plus a variety of optional supplemental benefits.
  • Better together: Coverage for partners, gender-affirming care and health support, and family formation support.
  • Build your financial future: Build financial stability with an industry-leading 401(k) retirement savings plan. For most employees, we put in 5 percent whether you contribute or not, and match your contributions on top of that.
  • Advance your education: Tuition assistance is available to pursue higher education.

A Work Environment Where You Succeed
For brilliant minds in science, technology, engineering and business operations, Battelle is the place to do the greatest good by solving humanity's most pressing challenges and creating a safer, healthier and more secure world.
You will have the opportunity to thrive in a culture that inspires you to:
  • Apply your talent to challenging and meaningful projects
  • Receive select funding to pursue ideas in scientific and technological discovery
  • Partner with world-class experts in a collaborative environment
  • Nurture and develop the next generation of scientific leaders
  • Give back to and improve our communities

Vaccinations & Safety Protocols
Battelle may require employees, based on job duties, work location, and/or its clients' requirements to follow certain safety protocols and to be vaccinated against a variety of viruses, bacteria, and diseases as a condition of employment and continued employment and to provide documentation that they are fully vaccinated. If applicable, Battelle will provide reasonable accommodations based on a qualified disability or medical condition through the Americans with Disabilities Act or the Rehabilitation Act or for a sincerely held religious belief under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (and related state laws).
Battelle is an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment and opportunities for advancement, compensation, training, and growth according to individual merit, without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, age, genetic information, disability, veteran-status veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable Federal, state, or local law. Our goal is for each staff member to have the opportunity to grow to the limits of their abilities and to achieve personal and organizational objectives. We will support positive programs for equal treatment of all staff and full utilization of all qualified employees at all levels within Battelle.
The above statements are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, activities and skills required of staff members. No statement herein is intended to imply any authorities to commit Battelle unless special written permission is granted by Battelle's Legal Department.
For more information about our other openings, please visit www.battelle.org/careers

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